Apparatus and method for simultaneous live recording through and projecting live video images onto an interactive touch screen

ABSTRACT

A system and method for point to point video enable communication and the provisioning of at least one commodity. The communication between two remote devices may include both video and audio and may be activated by use of at least one touch screen associated with a device for provisioning the at least one commodity, such as, for example, a vending machine.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/305,845, filed Jun. 16, 2014, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/835,571, filed Jun. 15, 2013, theentirety of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates, in exemplary embodiments, to apparatusand methods for recording and projecting video images onto and throughan interactive touch screen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments may provide for an apparatus for simultaneouslyrecording a first live video stream and projecting a second live videostream onto an interactive touch screen. Such an apparatus may comprisea touch screen panel, a polarized acrylic screen, at least one videocamera having a lens; an active shutter lens having a liquid crystallayer sandwiched between a first and a second outer layer, the activeshutter lens being proximate to the video camera lens; a projectoradapted to project an image onto the polarized acrylic screen; a firstcomputer; a second computer; and a means for connecting to the internet.The apparatus may also be equipped to dispense objects such as, forexample, sodas and other vending machine products.

Exemplary embodiments may also provide a method of facilitatingcommunicating between two remote locations, comprising recording a firstvideo stream through a first device in accordance with a firstindication wherein the first indication is indicative of at least oneinteraction by a first user with the first device, receiving at thefirst device a second video stream recorded at a second device inaccordance with a second indication wherein the second indication isindicative of at least one interaction by a second user with the seconddevice, and providing at least one good at the first device inaccordance with the second indication, wherein the first device isremote from the second device.

Thus, an apparatus and method are provided for simultaneous liverecording through and projecting live video images onto an interactivetouch screen, and the relevant services typically associated therewith.It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory, andare intended to provide further explanation of the invention asdiscussed herein throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings disclose exemplary embodiments in which like referencecharacters designate the same or similar parts throughout the figures ofwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of one exemplary embodiment of anapparatus according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the projection details.

FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view and a detail portion of thecamera according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view and a detail portion of thecamera according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view of a detail of the camera andmounting assembly.

FIG. 6 is a perspective schematic view of a portion of the apparatusshowing various computer-related components.

FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view of a detail of the camera.

FIG. 8 is a partially exploded perspective schematic view of the frontscreen.

FIG. 9 is a left side perspective schematic view of a detail portion ofthe apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective schematic view of a detail portion of theapparatus.

FIG. 11 is a right side perspective schematic view of a detail portionof the apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective schematic view of a detail portion of theapparatus.

FIG. 13 is a detail view of a portion of the wiring of the apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the projection apparatus.

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the projection apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a left side perspective view of the projection apparatusfeaturing the computer components layout.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view featuring the projection lens,computer monitor and computer towers.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the housing of the apparatus.

FIG. 19 is a pictorial illustration of various panel displays.

FIG. 20 is a pictorial illustration of various panel displays.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram.

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram continuing from FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a flow diagram continuing from FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is pictorial illustrations featuring various interactionsbetween the user and camera.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There are various ways for communication between two remote persons tooccur, including, for example, the use of voice and video incombination. Conventional video conferencing has been limited tocomputer devices, such as, for example, mobile devices and large audiovisual devices. The use of such services is generally between twoparties who have previously planned to meet via video conference and/orhave some familiarity with each other and may, for example, be expectingcontact from at least one of the other parties. Video conferencing hasalso been historically been associated with software and/or hardwarewhich may create a price point limiting the possibility of public orfree use.

In one exemplary embodiment, the use of point-to-point publiccommunication may be employed with at least one other service and/orgood provisioning device and may, for example, allow for the remotecommunication between at least two individuals. The communication devicemay be of any size appropriate for allow communication between the atleast two individuals and capable of being associated with the serviceand/or goods device. For example, a screen may range in size from asmall wrist sized screen to a large screen which may substantiallyencompass at least some portion of the service and/or goods device.

Such a device may take any form and provide and/or deliver any number ofservices and/or goods. For example, a device may provide advertising,news, information, transaction capabilities, such as, for example,banking and bill pay, and/or other forms of communication. Similarly, adevice may provide goods, such as, for example, consumable items fromvending machine, tickets for an event and/or transportation,certificates, consumer goods, and/or the like. Further, a device may bea kiosk and may, for example, provide free access to a communicationsdevice and/or similarly provide information through the use ofadvertising and other economic tools, such as incentives, to make accessto the communication services “free.”

In an embodiment on the present invention, at least one communicationdevice may be associated with a vending machine dispensing food items,such as, for example, soda. The communication device may be the size ofa small mobile device screen and may preferably be substantially thesize of the front of the vending machine. Although a screen may betypically planar with limited to one side of a device, a plurality ofscreens may be employed to serve the same or disparate functions.Similarly, screens may be of those types known to those skilled in theart such as, for example, curved screens and multi-surface screens.Visuals provided through the device may also be executed throughholograms and other less tradition means.

Activation of the communication device may be triggered through avariety of mechanisms and/or triggers. For example, payment and/ordispensing of the service and/or product, such as a soda in theproceeding example, may allow for a user to interact with thecommunications device. In one exemplary embodiment, the communicationdevice may also be activated by user interaction and/or the presence ofthe user. For example, and as discussed below, the communication devicemay be integrated with a touch screen portion, allowing for a user toactivate the communication device by touch. Similarly, a motion detectoror an infra-red system, for example, may be used to detect the proximityof a potential user and may, for example, initiate at least one alert todraw the attention of a person within a certain proximity of the device.

By way of non-limiting example only, a near infra-red detection arraymay be included with the present invention and may allow for thedetection of a person within a predetermined range of the device, suchas, for example, two (2) feet from the device, preferably at least aside allowing for commerce, and may provide a specific distance withinthe tolerance range of the detector. Other proximity locators and/oractivation queues may include, for example, the use of near fieldcommunication associated with a mobile device, the use of visualindicia, such as QR codes, SMS, vibration sensors, sound receivers, andthe like.

Once activated, a predetermined time limit and/or activation time may beset for various features of the device. For example, communicationaccess may be made available after the purchase and/or dispensing of agood or service and may be provided for a predetermined period of time.In one exemplary embodiment, once something is acquired from a vendingmachine, the communication device associated with the vending machinemay be accessible for a predetermined period of time, such as, forexample, three (3) minutes. Although any time may be set, one thatallows for a higher number of persons to interact as desired with thecommunications device is desirable.

A time limit, if one is imposed, may also be variable and/or set inaccordance with one or more variables associated with the communicationsdevice and/or the vending machine. Such variables may include the amountspend at the vending machine, the number of goods and/or servicespurchased, the viewing and/or exposure to advertising, and the like. Byway of non-limiting example only, a customer of the vending machine maybe “rewarded” with an amount of time relationally based on the moneyspent at the vending machine. Similarly, the watching of anadvertisement or other information may provide a certain amount ofcommunications time.

In one exemplary embodiment, the activation of the communications deviceat a first vending machine device, for example, may provide foractivation of a communications device at at least one second vendingmachine device. In this way, for example, any value necessarily providedby a user of the first device may allow for a second user to respond inkind based on the same value. Of course, as would be apparent to thoseskilled in the art, the line of communication between devices may alwaysbe active and may, for example, provide at least some indication ofactivity which may be viewed through the at least second device. Forexample, to draw a user to use and/or activate the communications deviceon a first device, an image, such as a real-time video feed, may bepresented on the communications device of the first device and may, forexample, be slightly transparent and/or depixelated to provide less of adisplay than would otherwise be available during full activation and/oruse of the communications device. In this way, an indication may beprovided to a potential user that, for example, another user isproximate to the at least second device and/or is ready to or is usingthe communication device at the at least second device. Although thepresent invention may come in various forms, shapes and sizes, moredetailed embodiments are discussed below.

FIG. 1 and FIGS. 18-20 show exemplary embodiments of an apparatus 10which may include a frame 12 to which various components may be mounted.A touch screen panel 20 may be an interactive touch-activatable screen.In exemplary embodiments, the touch screen panel 20 may be on anysemi-rigid material, such as, for example, an acrylic and/oracrylic-based material. In exemplary embodiments, the touch screen panel20 may have at least one infra-red (IR) beam generator associatedtherewith that emits a grid of IR beams that are used to track hand andfinger movement. A touch screen panel may be of any size, as describedabove, and may preferably be of a standard size, such as, for example,65 inches in diameter. For example, a 65 inch Screen Tech rearprojection screen may be used in conjunction with a 65 inch ZaagTech IRpanel and with a 65 inch Screen Solution International IR panel touchscreen frame. Using standard sized equipment may help keep costs downand allow for the production of the present invention using primarilyoff the shelf components.

A screen 24 may be positioned generally co-planar with the touch screenpanel 20, and in exemplary embodiments generally overlays the touchscreen panel 20. In exemplary embodiments, the screen 24 may be anacrylic material. In exemplary embodiments, the screen 24 may be apolarized acrylic material. The material may be sufficiently transparentso that one can see through it, but still have the ability to hold aclear image. A polarized acrylic material for the screen 24 may allowprojected images to be seen at various angles (or a greater off-axisangle in different directions) because of the way that the materialholds and distributes light.

A camera 30 may be, in exemplary embodiments, a high definition webcam.The camera 30 may be adjustably mounted on a post 32 to the frame 12.Although not shown, post 32 may extend along the full height of thescreen 24. The camera 30 has a lens 34. One lens 36, such as that usedin a pair of active shutter “3D” (three dimensional), may be placed overthe webcam lens 34. “Active shutter” is also known in the art as“alternate frame sequencing” or “alternate image.” The lens 36 maycontain a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between two transparentoutside layers. The liquid crystal layer may become opaque when voltageis applied, being otherwise transparent. The lens 36 may be controlledby a timing signal that may rapidly apply and unapply voltage to thelens 36 so that the lens 36 switches between transparent and opaque. Thelens 36 only “sees” the black (opaque) frames that are projected (asdiscussed further herein below), not the frames with the video feed andany animation. This allows the webcam to “see” through the projectedimage that the user is seeing. Such a technique may reduce or eliminate“ghosting” of the image(s) and may reduce any noticeable “flicker.”Similarly, as discussed herein, a plurality of cameras may be used toenhance image quality, provide various angles of views, and to provide afail-safe if at least one camera were to fail, for example.

In one exemplary embodiment, a portion of code such as, but not limitedto, the following may be employed to alternate between opaque andnon-opaque screen presentations:

import flash.events.Event; addEventListener(Event.ENTER_ FRAME,onEnterFrame); //see Through is the black frame that is enabled ordisabled every other frame to replace the video image var evenOdd:uint =1; //determines if we are on an odd or even frame. functiononEnterFrame(e:Event) {  if (evenOdd == 1) {   evenOdd = 2;  seeThrough.visible = false;  } else {   evenOdd = 1;  seeThrough.visible = true;  } }

As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the alternating offrames may allow for the human eye to be tricked into seeing whatappears to be a steady-state image when the image is being projected atless than a full amount of possible frames per second. For example, thehuman eye generally perceives 30 frames per second as a steady-stateimage. High definition and other related standards allow for theprojection of images at a rate of 60 to 120 frames per second. In oneexemplary embodiment, a rate of less than 60 frames a sec, but greaterthan 30 frames a second, may be employed to allow for the alternating ofat least one projected image to allow for at least one camera placedbehind screen panel 20 to collect at least 30 frames per second of videofor display at another, preferably remote, screen.

In exemplary embodiments an optional dispensing (or vending) apparatus40 (akin to the device discussed above) may be associated with theapparatus 10 and in exemplary embodiments may be disposed inside theapparatus 10. In one exemplary embodiment a dispensing apparatus 40 maybe a refrigerated soda can vending machine available from Koolatron(Ontario, Canada) that has been modified by associating amicro-controller 42 (available from Arduino) therewith to control thedispensing apparatus 40, such as, but not limited to, dispensing cans ofbeverages or other objects. The dispensing apparatus 40 may include acompartment 44 that may hold a number of dispensable objects 46, and aconduit member 48 for conducting an object 46 from the compartment 44 toa dispensing outlet area 49. In other exemplary embodiments, alternativedispensing apparatus known to those of ordinary skill in the art may beutilized, whether or not cooled, heated or room temperature, and towhich a micro-controller 42 can be associated. The micro-controller 42is in electronic communication (wired, wireless or otherwise) with acentral processing unit (as described herein below).

A projector 50 may be mounted to frame 12. In exemplary embodiments, theprojector 50 may be a short throw projector. In exemplary embodiments,the projector 50 may be a “3D” projector. In exemplary embodiments, theprojector 50 may project video at 60 frames per second (though otherrates may be used as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art).The projector 50 may project side-by-side or top-bottom 3D images ontothe screen 24. The projector 50 synchronizes with the lens 36 to allowthe camera 30 to detect recordable images through the screen 24.

In one exemplary embodiment, a portion of code, such as, but not limitedto, the following Actionscript 3, may be employed to handle imagerotation and top-bottom 3D mode:

stream_name = String(stream_name); iStream = new NetStream(nc);. iVideo= new Video(1280, 720); iStream.play(stream_name, “live”);iVideo.attachNetStream(iStream); stageMC.addChild(iVideo); iVideo.y =1280; iVideo.x = 720; iVideo.rotation = 90; iVideo.scaleX = −1; privatefunction init( ):void {  arduino = new ArduinoInterface(10);  stageMC =new MovieClip( );  stageMC.x = 0;  stageMC.rotation = −90;  stageMC.y =720;  addChild(stageMC);  stage.addEventListener(Event.ENTER_FRAME,enterFrameLoop);  activityLoader = new Loader( );  loadData( ); setupDemo( );  topBottom3dMode( ); } private function topBottom3dMode():void {  stageMC.scaleX = .5;  stageMC.y = 360; } private functiononReceiveCommand(e:NetConnectionClientEvent) {  var command:String =e.infoObject.command;  loadActivity(command); }

A first central processing unit 60 is an encoding unit (and referred toas the “encoding computer 60”). The encoding computer 60 is inelectronic communication with the camera 30, such as, but not limitedto, a wired or wireless connection. The encoding computer 60 has acentral processing unit, memory storage, and other components typical ofa personal computer. The encoding computer 60 may receive and storeinformation of the user, adjust the picture quality, compress a datafeed, stream video to a remotely located server 70 (for example, a flashmedia server).

A second central processing unit 80 may handle the interactions withvarious components (and is also referred to as the front end computer80). The front end computer 80 is in electronic communication with thedispensing apparatus 40, touch screen panel 20 and projector 50. Thefront end computer 80 handles the actuation of the touch screen panel20, image projection and dispensing of objects 46. As would beappreciated by those skilled in the art, both first central processingunit 60 and second central processing unit 80 may be housed in the sameunit and may, for example, share the same microprocessor.

In exemplary embodiments an optional uninterrupted power supply (batterybackup) 90 may be incorporated and various components are plugged intothe supply 90 to allow for operation (at least temporarily) in the eventof a loss of power.

In exemplary embodiments the apparatus 10 may have an internetconnection component 95 (not shown, but which may be built into computer60 or 80) for transmitting and receiving information to and from theinternet, such as, but not limited to, a connection via direct wire,Wi-Fi, satellite, cable, cell phone, or the like.

In exemplary embodiments, a housing 100 is provided in which theapparatus 10 may be contained. The housing 100 may be of any durablematerial and may be, for example, a combination of plastics andlightweight metals. Housing 100 may be suitably weather-proof to allowfor the outdoor use and storage on apparatus 10 and may provide at leastsome insulating properties to limit extreme temperatures shifts whichmay be otherwise experienced by apparatus 10 within housing 100.

The following describes one exemplary embodiment of a method using theapparatus 10 as shown in the flow diagrams in FIGS. 21-23.

A first apparatus 10 unit (referred to as unit 10A) may be set up in afirst geographic location. A second apparatus 10 unit (referred to asunit 10B) may be set up in a second geographic location, which may benearby or in different parts of the world. An internet connection may beused to place the units 10A and 10B in communication. The units 10A and10B may interact to allow a user of each unit to interact with eachother in a virtual manner. It is to be understood that many apparatus 10units may be set up around the world in various locations, each unit incommunication either directly with the other units, or with the server70, for example.

The camera 30 may be in electronic communication with the encodercomputer 60. When actuated, the camera 30 can record video of a user U-Astanding in front of the touch screen panel 20 of one of the apparatus10 units. The apparatus unit 10B may record the video of a user U-Bstanding at the unit 10B. The recorded video may be encoded by theencoding computer 60, such as, but not limited to, using Flash MediaLive Encoder.

In exemplary embodiments, the picture quality of video from the camera30 may be adjusted by the front end computer 80 software to make up forlighting conditions, shutter speed and other factors. In exemplaryembodiments, the video may then be compressed, such as, but not limitedto, by using vp6 compression software. The compressed signal may thentransmitted (from an apparatus unit 10A) to the server 70.

The server 70 software may read a configuration file (which may contain,among other data, the server address and username) and identifies thecompressed video stream as coming from an apparatus unit 10 in a givenlocation. The software requests the video stream from the “opposite”location (i.e., the location with which the apparatus unit 10A is incommunication) from the server 70.

The front end computer 80 can receive (for example, buy pulling) a videostream of the user U-B standing at apparatus unit 10B from the server70. The front end computer 80 software can invert, rotate and reduce by(for example) half the resolution of the video stream. The video streamnow takes up the top half of the screen 24, leaving the bottom halfblack. This prepares the screen 24 to be projected using the projector50. In one exemplary embodiment a top-bottom projector 50 is used. Inanother exemplary embodiment a side-by-side projector 50 can be used soas to divide the screen into left/right areas. In one exemplaryembodiment, a plurality of projectors may be used to project more thanone image, such as at least two distinct images and/or a singlehologram-type image. The front end computer 80 software may wait for andmay receive commands from the server 70, such as, but not limited to,commands to load an activity or to actuate the dispensing apparatus 40.

The projector 50 may rear-project the video from the user U-A ontoscreen 24, which may be seen by the user U-B standing proximate to unit10B. Accordingly, the user U-A may see at apparatus unit 10A streamingvideo of a remote user U-B projected onto (and through) the screen 24,while the user U-B can see streaming video of user U-A at apparatus unit10B. It is to be understood that in exemplary embodiments, audio canalso be streamed by using a microphone 120 incorporated with theapparatus 10 which records a user's voice (or other sounds) and isprocessed and streamed with the video feed.

In exemplary embodiments, remote control software connects to the server70 and allows the users U-A and U-B to talk with each other or withother people at other locations. In exemplary embodiments the users mayuse their respective touch screen panel 20 to enter text on a keypad toallow the users to “chat,” similar to instant messaging (SMS). Inexemplary embodiments an operator in control of remote control softwarecan send interaction requests to a given apparatus unit 10 to actuatethe dispensing apparatus 40 to dispense an object 46. As would beappreciated by those skilled in the art, the server 70 may allow foraccess to and from third party social network platforms and may allow,for example, real-time tweeting and/or posting of contact between usersU-A, U-B, and/or third parties.

In one exemplary embodiment of a user experience in which variousapparatus 10 units are deployed in different locations, a user U-A mayapproach apparatus unit 10A and may place his/her hand on the touchscreen panel 20, such as by placing his/her hand on the outline of ahand that is on the touch screen panel 20, for example. Touching thescreen, for example, may initiate the process. A user may also berequested to log in, for example. The touch screen panel 20 may displaya list of apparatus 10 unit locations (referred to for convenience asalpha, beta, gamma, etc.). The list of locations can highlight orotherwise indicate whether there is a user present at any other locationat the moment. If there is at least one location identified, the userU-A (at location alpha) selects a location (for example, location beta)by touching the location indicated on the touch screen panel 20. Aconnection may be made between the apparatus unit 10A at location alphaand the apparatus unit 10B at location beta. The user U-B at locationbeta may see and, optionally, hear, the user U-A at location alpha, andvice versa, by means of the projected video stream from the oppositeunit. The users U-A and U-B can thus see each other's image projectedonto the screen 24 and may communicate with each other.

In exemplary embodiments, each user U-A and U-B may place a hand on theoutline of the hand on the touch screen panel 20. When both hands aretouching their respective touch screen panel 20, the front end computer80 in apparatus unit 10A signals the dispensing apparatus 40 to dispensean object, such as, but not limited to, a chilled can of a beverage,which is conveyed to the outlet area 49 where the user U-A can receiveand enjoy the beverage. Similarly, the front end computer 80 inapparatus unit 10B signals the dispensing apparatus 40 to dispense abeverage can which the user U-B can receive and enjoy.

In one exemplary embodiment, a portion of code, such as, but not limitedto, the following Actionscript 3, may be employed to handle thedispensing of objects:

private function onReceiveBeverage(e:NetConnectionClientEvent) { if(arduino.pinNumber == 10) {   arduino.pinNumber = 11;  } else {  arduino.pinNumber = 10;  }  arduino.sendBeverage( );  trace(“receivedbeverage command from server”); }

In an exemplary embodiment the dispensing apparatus 40 may hold canswith labels printed in the language commonly associated with, forexample, locations alpha, beta, gamma, and the like, so that a user U-Acan receive a can with a label printed in the local language of user U-Bin location beta. In this way, two people in very different locationsaround the world can each enjoy a beverage “from” (i.e., printed withthe label from his/her new friend's country) the land of the other, thuscreating a shared interactive experience.

While the methods, equipment and systems have been described inconnection with specific embodiments, it is not intended that the scopebe limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as the embodimentsherein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather thanrestrictive.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that anymethod set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps beperformed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim doesnot actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is nototherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that thesteps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended thatan order be inferred, in any respect.

This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation,including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps oroperational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization orpunctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in thespecification.

As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearlydictates otherwise.

“Optional” or “optionally” means that the subsequently described eventor circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includesinstances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where itdoes not.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word“comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and“comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intendedto exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps.“Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey anindication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used ina restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosedmethods, equipment and systems. These and other components are disclosedherein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets,interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that whilespecific reference of each various individual and collectivecombinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed,each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods,equipment and systems. This applies to all aspects of this applicationincluding, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, ifthere are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it isunderstood that each of these additional steps can be performed with anyspecific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosedmethods.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of facilitating communicating betweentwo remote locations, comprising: recording through a screen a firstvideo stream through a first device in accordance with a firstindication wherein the first indication is indicative of at least onephysical interaction by a first user with the first device; receiving atthe first device a second video stream recorded at a second device inaccordance with a second indication wherein the second indication isindicative of at least one physical interaction by a second user withthe second device; displaying on the screen the second video stream; andproviding at least one good at the first device in accordance with thesecond indication, wherein the first device is remote from the seconddevice, and wherein the recording of the first video stream isalternated with the displaying of the second video stream.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein the alternating is by frame.
 3. The method of claim1, wherein the alternating comprises displaying of an opaque imagecorrespondent to at least one frame of the second video stream.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the screen is selected from the groupconsisting of acrylic, glass, and combinations thereof.
 5. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the screen is polarized.
 6. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the screen panel is a touch screen.
 7. The apparatus of claim1, further comprising an apparatus for dispensing objects.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the objects are selected from the groupconsisting of beverages, food items, money, personal goods, andcombinations thereof.
 9. A method of facilitating communicating betweentwo remote locations, comprising: recording a first video stream througha first device in accordance with a first indication wherein the firstindication is indicative of at least one physical interaction by a firstuser with the first device. receiving at the first device a second videostream recorded at a second device in accordance with a secondindication wherein the second indication is indicative of at least onephysical interaction by a second user with the second device, andproviding at least one good at the first device in accordance with thesecond indication, wherein the first device is remote from the seconddevice.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising an apparatusfor dispensing objects, wherein the objects are selected from the groupconsisting of beverages, food items, money, personal goods, andcombinations thereof.